Alarm Display Unit Priority Ordering for Critical Event Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing alarm display systems fail to effectively prioritize and manage multiple alarm events, leading to user disorientation and subjective handling, especially in the presence of false alarms and overlapping sensor activations.

Innovation Solution

The method orders alarm events based on their probability of occurrence, assigning priority factors and values through a security concept, ensuring objective processing by displaying the highest-priority event first and guiding the user to handle it immediately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If multiple alarm events are displayed immediately in the list format, then all alarm events are visible to the user, but the user quickly loses track of which alarm event to handle first

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveOverview of alarm eventsVSAvoidUser ability to prioritize alarm events
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a priority value parameter that dynamically changes the display order of alarm events. Instead of displaying events in chronological order alone, the system calculates priority values based on multiple factors (time since occurrence, frequency of similar events, area importance) and reorders the display accordingly, allowing critical events to rise to the top of the list automatically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring alarm event patterns and adjusting priority values in real-time. When similar alarm events occur repeatedly in the same area, the system learns from this pattern and increases the priority weighting for that area, providing adaptive feedback that improves event prioritization over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If alarm events are processed according to user discretion, then the user has flexibility in handling order, but the processing becomes subjective and less effective

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUser flexibility in processingVSAvoidEffectiveness of alarm event processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary priority calculation system that acts as a mediator between the raw alarm data and the user interface. This intermediary layer automatically computes priority values based on objective criteria (event frequency, time patterns, area criticality) and presents the sorted list to the user, eliminating the need for users to make subjective prioritization decisions while maintaining operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If alarm events from multiple areas are displayed together, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but the user loses overview and cannot distinguish priority across areas

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNumber of monitored areasVSAvoidSpatial context of alarm events
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different priority weights to different spatial areas based on their importance. Critical areas (e.g., server rooms, entrances) are assigned higher base priority values, while less critical areas have lower weights. This allows the system to maintain comprehensive monitoring across multiple areas while automatically emphasizing events from high-priority locations in the display order

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If false alarms are treated equally with actual alarms, then all events receive equal attention, but resources are wasted on false alarms

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccuracy of alarm detectionVSAvoidResponse efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by providing different levels of response based on priority assessment. High-priority events (likely actual threats) receive immediate full attention and resource allocation, while low-priority events (likely false alarms) receive reduced attention or are flagged for later review. This allows the system to handle probable false alarms with minimal resource expenditure while maintaining readiness for critical events

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3503060B1Method for controlling an alarm display unit
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 PKE HLDG AG
  • EP3503060B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3503060B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

Computer-implemented method for controlling an alarm display unit with a display area (1), wherein a list (5) of alarm events generated by alarm sensors is displayed on a first display sub-area (2), wherein a predefined priority factor is assigned to an alarm event displayed in an area, and the list of alarm events is ordered according to a priority value, which priority value is calculated by summing the individual priority factors or by multiplying the individual priority factors and/or is created if necessary by specifying the priority value.